Directions: After You Turn in Your Timed Write, Read the Following Handout on Theme. On

Theme

Directions: After you turn in your timed write, read the following handout on theme. On the back of the handout, read the following themes and explain why they are a “no.”

•Theme is the message that the reader learns from the text. Theme is not what the story is about. It is what the story TEACHES us.

•Bad example: In the text, character Jim Rainsford figures out how to overcome his enemy.

•Good example: Success depends on persistence and intelligence.

•Theme is a complete sentence, not just one word!

•Bad example: Fate

•Good example: Fate or destiny is sometimes used as an excuse to avoid the responsibility of one’s own choices.

•To come up with a theme, think about the subject (intangible) of a story (pride, lust, love) and then ask yourself what does the story teach us about that subject?

There are 3 major rules for theme…

•Rule #1: NO CLICHES!

•Any overused saying is not an option for your theme statement. Think originally!

•Bad examples:

•What goes around comes around.

•Treat others as you would want to be treated.

•Don’t judge a book by its cover.

•Rule #2-NO COMMANDS! (No second person in theme statements whatsever.)

•If your theme is a command, it has an implied “you.”

•Bad examples:

•Never be greedy.

•Don’t take life for granted.

•Always appreciate what you have.

•Choose wisely.

•Rule #3—NO CONFUSION!

•Do not be vague. Make it specific and leave out words with the word “thing.”

•Bad examples:

•Honesty is everything. (What is everything?)

•Selfishness can make people do something they don’t want to do. (What wouldn’t they want to do?)

•Jealousy can lead to a bigger problem. (What problem?)

•Life is tough. (What about life is tough?)

*Flip this sheet over and complete the exercise on the back.

Explain why each theme is not acceptable.

1) NO: One’s destiny cannot be avoided.

WHY?

2) NO: Love conquers all.

WHY?

3) NO: Romeo and Juliet are punished not because of the flaws in their personalities but because fate is against them.

WHY?

4) NO: Love is almost a disease that makes a person physically ill and that makes you behave in a foolish way.

WHY?

5) NO: Don’t assume that fate is an excuse to avoid taking responsibilty.

WHY?

6) Without looking, list one of the rules about a theme statement.

*This handout is not homework if you do not finish.